Depression

We have corresponded before but I don’t know if I’ve told you “the rest of the story.”

I’m 65 now. All my life I’ve suffered from chronic depression. Multiple hospitalizations and a few suicide attempts included.

Back in 2012 I read a study of a million Spaniards. There appeared to be a good inverse relashionship between strength and lack of depression. I think I also read, on your web site, about the importance of vitamin D.

So I had my vitamin D levels tested and it turns out I had like on third the normal levels so the Doc prescribed some high potency D tablets.

Then I started weight training. Not Bodybuilding, but pure strength training using barbells according to the Starting Strength protocol – 3 sets of 5 reps, etc.

Within 2 weeks I felt better. Within a month I felt depression free for the first time in my life! For 5 years now I haven’t been depressed at all and I am enjoying life for the first time ever!

Many Doctors recommend ‘exercise’ without knowing the best exercise to do. I maintain that strength training makes the body produce some good hormones which elevates one’s mood, among other things. Endurance training may do the same temporarily, but is not long term.

Just hope you can use this somehow… to help others.

Thanks, JJ

PS: Just by coincidence, I just ran across this email. The last paragraph is what I’ve been saying for a few years.